Industry Focus
Aviation
Specialised legal counsel for India's aviation sector
Indian aviation is governed by DGCA, MoCA, AAI, and an increasingly complex international regulatory framework. Corpus Juris Legal advises airlines, MRO operators, airports, and aviation service companies on their legal requirements.
Key Legal Challenges in the Aviation Sector
- ◆DGCA regulatory compliance
- ◆Aircraft finance and leasing
- ◆Airport concession agreements
- ◆Passenger rights disputes
- ◆Cross-border aviation contracts
How Corpus Juris Legal Helps Aviation Companies
Regulatory Framework
- ◆Aircraft Act 1934 and Aircraft Rules 1937
- ◆DGCA Civil Aviation Requirements (CARs)
- ◆Airports Authority of India Act 1994
- ◆Airports Economic Regulatory Authority of India Act 2008
- ◆Cape Town Convention on International Interests in Mobile Equipment
- ◆Carriage by Air Act 1972 (Montreal Convention)
- ◆Consumer Protection Act 2019 (passenger rights)
- ◆FEMA 1999 (FDI in aviation under automatic route)
- ◆Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code 2016 (airline insolvencies)
Frequently Asked Legal Questions
How does the Cape Town Convention affect aircraft leasing in India?
India ratified the Cape Town Convention and its Aircraft Protocol, which provides an international framework for registration of security interests in aircraft and engines. The Convention creates an International Registry for aircraft objects, establishes priority rules for competing interests, and provides remedies for creditors including deregistration and export of aircraft. Following India's ratification, aircraft lessors benefit from enhanced legal protections and faster repossession remedies, which has contributed to improved lease terms for Indian carriers.
What regulatory framework governs airport tariffs in India?
The Airports Economic Regulatory Authority (AERA) determines aeronautical tariffs for major airports (annual passenger throughput exceeding 35 lakh). AERA follows a hybrid-till model where a portion of non-aeronautical revenue is considered in setting aeronautical charges. Tariff determination involves a multi-year tariff period, consultation with stakeholders, and issuance of binding tariff orders. Appeals from AERA orders lie to the Airports Economic Regulatory Authority Appellate Tribunal (AERAAT). For airports below the threshold, tariff setting remains with the airport operator subject to concession agreement terms.
What passenger compensation obligations do airlines face under Indian law?
DGCA CARs mandate specific compensation for denied boarding (up to INR 20,000 depending on notice period and alternative arrangements), flight cancellation (up to INR 10,000 if less than 24 hours notice), and delay (refreshments, meals, hotel accommodation depending on delay duration). Additionally, the Consumer Protection Act 2019 exposes airlines to consumer complaints for deficiency in service. The Delhi District Consumer Forum handles a high volume of aviation complaints given IGI Airport's hub status. Airlines must maintain clear complaint handling procedures and grievance officers.
What to Expect When You Instruct Us
Every new Aviation engagement begins with a dedicated briefing — not a generic intake call. We invest time understanding the specific regulatory environment your business operates in, the commercial constraints that shape your legal decisions, and the risk appetite that should inform our advice.
Your matter is assigned to a partner with specific experience in Aviation sector legal requirements. The same partner who takes your briefing is the one who signs off on your advice notes, appears at your regulatory meetings, and is accountable for outcomes. Partner-level attention is not reserved for the largest mandates — it is the standard at Corpus Juris Legal.
We maintain ongoing sector intelligence for the Aviation sector — monitoring regulatory updates, enforcement trends, and policy developments that affect your legal exposure. Our retainer clients receive proactive alerts when changes are relevant to their operations, not reactive advice after the fact.
Sector Advisory
Talk to Our Aviation Legal Team
Our Aviation sector practice is led by a partner with hands-on experience in your industry's regulatory environment. First conversation is substantive — not a sales call.
Schedule a ConsultationWhatsApp Our CounselServices in This Sector
- ◆Regulatory Compliance
- ◆Contract Drafting & Review
- ◆Commercial Litigation
- ◆Project Finance
- ◆FDI Advisory
Ready to Discuss Your Aviation Legal Matter?
Partner-led advisory. Same-day response on retainer matters. No juniors running your file.